"The “bond” between Neapolitan fans and their football team does not end on Sunday when the match is played. Napoli is a topic of discussion throughout the week and, indeed, throughout the year. The relationship is one of visceral passion because Neapolitan fans have always imbued the match and the team with extreme significance and value. In a city that has long been subjugated, misunderstood and mistreated, the football team, capable of challenging the “teams” of more advanced and established cities, and perhaps even beating them, has been the only means of visibility and affirmation. It has ended up interpreting the dreams, ambitions, revenge and success that Naples lacked in too many other areas. Perceived as the only visible and competitive representation of the city, when it failed, the reaction was all the more angry. For a long time, Napoli Calcio was the “outlet” for Neapolitans condemned, in their everyday lives, to suffer, wait, wear themselves out and be disappointed. (p. 134)"